Methods of Using Shape Memory Alloys for Buttress Attachment

ABSTRACT

A surgical stapling device includes a tissue contacting surface and a buttress attachment feature. The buttress attachment feature permits selectively securing a surgical buttress to the tissue contacting surface, which may be disposed on a cartridge assembly or an anvil plate of the surgical stapling device. The buttress attachment feature may include a shape memory alloy, such as a nickel titanium alloy, that is responsive to a temperature change to allow the buttress attachment feature to move between a first position where a free end of the buttress attachment feature is substantially spaced from the tissue contacting surface, and second position where the surgical attachment feature is approximated with respect to the tissue contacting surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from and the benefits of U.S. provisional application No. 60/854,821 filed on Oct. 26, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments, devices and methods of using the same and, more particularly, surgical instruments including surgical stapling devices for applying buttress attachments, buttress attachments and methods of using and applying the same.

2. Discussion of Related Art

In some surgical operations, surgical supports or buttresses, e.g., meshes, are employed by surgeons to bridge, repair and/or reinforce tissue defects within a patient, especially those occurring in the abdominal wall, chest wall, diaphragm and other musculo-aponeurotic areas of the body. Surgical supports are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,054,406, 3,124,136, 4,347,847, 4,655,221, 4,838,884 and 5,002,551. During such operations, surgeons employ conventional or known suturing or anchoring techniques to apply such supports to body tissue. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,452,245 and 5,203,864 describe methods for suturing or anchoring mesh supports to body tissue, especially during hernia repair operations.

Surgical instruments including surgical stapling devices are employed by surgeons to sequentially or simultaneously apply one or more rows of surgical fasteners, e.g., staples or two-part fasteners, to body tissue for the purpose of joining segments of body tissue together. Such devices generally consist of a pair of jaws or finger-like structures between which body tissue to be joined is placed. When the instrument is actuated, or “fired,” longitudinally moving firing bars contact staple drive members in one of the jaws, thereby pushing surgical staples through the body tissue and into an anvil in the opposite jaw which crimps the staples closed. If tissue is to be removed, a knife blade can be provided to cut between lines of staples. Examples of such instruments are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,354,628, 5,014,899 and 5,040,715, each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Surgical stapling devices have found widespread application in surgical operations where body tissue must be joined or removed. When operating on thin tissue, such as thin emphysematous lung tissue, it is important to effectively seal the tissue which can be particularly prone to air leakage. Preventing or reducing air leakage can significantly decrease post operative recovery time. Thus, it is advantageous to provide surgical buttresses for use with surgical stapling devices which enhance sealing at the surgical site.

Placement of the surgical buttress in position on the surgical stapling device, prior to insertion of the surgical stapling device into the target surgical site (i.e., through a trocar, cannula, body opening or the like), is desirable in order to best ensure that the surgical buttress is properly positioned on the surgical stapling device.

Accordingly, a need exists for a surgical buttress which is operatively associatable with the surgical stapling device, prior to positioning of the surgical stapling device at the target surgical site, and which surgical buttress is maintained or remains in position relative to the surgical stapling device during positioning of the surgical stapling device, to the target surgical site, through a trocar, cannula, body orifice or the like.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to surgical stapling devices for applying buttress attachments, buttress attachments and methods of using and applying the same.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical stapling device is provided and includes a cartridge assembly; an anvil assembly operatively associated with the cartridge assembly and in juxtaposed relation thereto; a first tissue contacting surface defined by at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil plate; and a buttress attachment feature for selectively securing a surgical buttress adjacent the first tissue contacting surface. The buttress attachment feature is responsive to a temperature change such that the buttress attachment feature is movable between a first position in which, at a first temperature, a free end of the buttress attachment feature is substantially spaced from the first tissue contacting surface, and a second position in which, at a second temperature, the free end is relatively approximated to the first tissue contacting surface to secure the surgical buttress to the first tissue contacting surface.

The buttress attachment feature may include a plurality of fingers disposed along the first tissue contacting surface. The plurality of fingers may extend along an outer edge of the first tissue contacting surface. The plurality of fingers may extend along at least one of a knife channel formed in the first tissue contacting surface and an outer edge of the first tissue contacting surface.

The plurality of fingers may be oriented to extend substantially orthogonal to the first tissue contacting surface when the buttress attachment feature is in the first position, and substantially parallel to the first tissue contacting surface when the buttress attachment feature is in the second position.

The plurality of fingers may include a shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy may be a nickel titanium alloy.

The plurality of fingers may be configured to penetrate the surgical buttress when the buttress attachment feature is in the first position, and to overlie the first tissue contacting surface when the buttress attachment feature is in the second position.

The first tissue contacting surface may be defined by the cartridge assembly. The surgical stapling device may further include a second buttress attachment feature for selectively securing a second surgical buttress to a second tissue contacting surface defined by the anvil assembly.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical stapling device is provided including a cartridge assembly; an anvil assembly operatively associated with the cartridge assembly and in juxtaposed relation thereto; and a buttress attachment feature. The buttress attachment feature includes a plurality of ribs operatively connected to at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly; and a panel supported by the plurality of ribs. The plurality of ribs is moveable between a first position in which the panel is spaced from a tissue contacting surface defined by at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly, and a second position in which the panel overlies the tissue contacting surface.

The panel may include a surgical buttress. The plurality of ribs may move between the first position and the second position in response to a temperature change.

The plurality of ribs may include a shape memory alloy that is responsive to temperature changes. The plurality of ribs may each have a first end positioned proximate a midpoint of the tissue contacting surface, and a second end extending away from the first end such that the plurality of ribs define a fan-like configuration.

The buttress attachment feature may include a frame supported on the plurality of ribs and extending around a perimeter of the surgical buttress.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of performing a surgical procedure is provided including the steps of providing a surgical stapling device including a cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, wherein a tissue contacting surface is defined by at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly, and a buttress attachment feature responsive to a change in temperature; exposing the buttress attachment feature to a change in temperature to move the buttress attachment feature from a first position where a free end of the buttress attachment feature is spaced from the tissue contacting surface to a second position where the free end of the buttress attachment feature is relatively proximate to the tissue contacting surface; and introducing the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly into a target surgical site.

The method may further include the step of introducing a surgical buttress to the tissue contacting surface prior to the step of exposing the buttress attachment feature to a change in temperature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described hereinbelow, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling device including a buttress attachment feature, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the buttress attachment feature is illustrating in a first condition securing a surgical buttress to a tissue contacting surface of the surgical stapling device;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a distal end of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1, illustrating the buttress attachment feature in a first condition;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1, illustrating the buttress attachment feature in a second condition for placement of the surgical buttress into position against the tissue contacting surface of the surgical stapling device;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a distal end of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1, illustrating a buttress attachment feature according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in a first condition;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 4, illustrating the buttress attachment feature thereof in a second condition;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a distal end of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1, illustrating an alternate buttress attachment feature to the buttress attachment feature of FIG. 4, shown in a first condition;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 5, illustrating the buttress attachment feature thereof in a second condition;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a distal end of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1, illustrating a buttress attachment feature according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in a first condition;

FIG. 6A is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 6, illustrating the buttress attachment feature in a second condition;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative surgical stapling device including a buttress attachment feature, according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, associated therewith;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of an anvil cartridge of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 7, illustrating the buttress attachment feature thereof in a first and second condition;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the anvil cartridge of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 7, illustrating an alternate buttress attachment feature thereof in a first and second condition;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a staple cartridge of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 8, illustrating the buttress attachment feature thereof in a first and second condition, wherein the buttress attachment feature is disposed along a knife channel thereof;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of yet another alternative surgical stapling device including a buttress attachment feature, according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, associated therewith;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of an anvil cartridge of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 11, illustrating the buttress attachment feature thereof in a first and second condition;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of still another alternative surgical stapling device including a buttress attachment feature, according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, associated therewith;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of an anvil assembly of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 13, illustrating the buttress attachment feature thereof in a first and second condition; and

FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of a cartridge assembly of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 13, illustrating the buttress attachment feature thereof in a first and second condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical stapling devices will now be described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. As used herein and as is traditional, the term “distal” will refer to that portion which is further from the user while the term “proximal” will refer to that portion which is closer to the user.

A surgical stapling device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown generally as 100 in FIGS. 1-7. Surgical stapling device 100 includes a cartridge receiving half-section 112, an anvil half-section 114 operatively couplable or connectable to cartridge receiving half-section 112, a cartridge assembly 116 configured and adapted to be removably mounted within a distal end of cartridge receiving half-section 112 and a firing slide 120 configured and adapted to be slidably received within cartridge receiving half-section 112.

As seen in FIG. 1, anvil half-section 114 is provided with an anvil plate 144 configured and dimensioned to be fit over a distal end of anvil half-section 114. Anvil plate 144 includes a plurality of anvil pockets formed therein (not shown), arranged in two pairs of longitudinal rows, and an anvil knife track (not shown) formed longitudinally therealong.

Reference may be made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/508,191, filed Sep. 17, 2004, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, for a more detailed discussion of the structure and operation of surgical stapling device 100.

As seen in FIGS. 1-3, surgical stapling device 100 includes a buttress attachment feature 160 operatively associated with at least one of the distal end of cartridge receiving half-section 112, distal end of anvil half-section 114, cartridge assembly 116 and anvil plate 144. Each buttress attachment feature 160 includes a plurality of fingers 162 positioned along a length of at least one of the distal end of cartridge receiving half-section 112, distal end of anvil half-section 114, cartridge assembly 116 and anvil plate 144. In an embodiment, fingers 162 may be placed along a length of a knife channel “K” formed in cartridge assembly 116 and/or anvil plate 144 (not shown).

In one embodiment, fingers 162 are spaced apart from one another. Fingers 162 function to releasably and/or selectively secure a surgical buttress “B” to a tissue contacting surface “T” of any of the distal end of cartridge receiving half-section 112, distal end of anvil half-section 114, cartridge assembly 116 and anvil plate 144. In one embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 1-3, fingers 162 may be supported on and/or extend from a backspan or crown 164. Backspan 164 may be secured to both side surfaces of distal end of cartridge receiving half-section 112 and/or both side surfaces of distal end of anvil half-section 114.

Fingers 162 have a first position in which fingers 162 extend substantially orthogonally from a tissue contacting surface “T” of any of the distal end of cartridge receiving half-section 112, distal end of anvil half-section 114, cartridge assembly 116 and anvil plate 144. In the first position, fingers 162 are oriented so as to enable and/or allow placement and/or removal of surgical buttress “B” into or out of contact with tissue contacting surfaces “T”.

Fingers 162 have a second position in which at least a distal or free end of fingers 162 extend substantially parallel to tissue contacting surface “T” of any of the distal end of cartridge receiving half-section 112, distal end of anvil half-section 114, cartridge assembly 116 and anvil plate 144, in a direction towards staple pockets “P” or anvil pockets (not shown). The anvil pockets are formed in the surface of anvil plate 144 and are in juxtaposed relation to staple pockets “P”. In the second position and with a surgical buttress “B” in position against tissue contacting surface “T” of any of the distal end of cartridge receiving half-section 112, distal end of anvil half-section 114, cartridge assembly 116 and anvil plate 144, fingers 162 are oriented so as to prevent movement and/or removal of surgical buttress “B” relative to and/or from tissue contacting surfaces “T” of any of the distal end of cartridge receiving half-section 112, distal end of anvil half-section 114, cartridge assembly 116 and anvil plate 144.

At least fingers 162 of buttress attachment feature 160 is fabricated from a shape memory alloy (i.e., Nickel Titanium, NiTi, Nitinol, etc.), a shape memory polymer, or any other suitable material exhibiting shape memory properties during elevated temperatures. Shape memory alloys, such as NiTi, undergo a phase transformation (i.e., austenite to martensite and vise versa) during temperature fluctuations (i.e., increases and decreases).

In use, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, with buttress attachment features 160 at a first temperature, fingers 162 are oriented in the first position, as described above. With fingers 162 in the first position, a surgical buttress “B” may be placed in position against tissue contacting surfaces “T” of anvil plate 144 and/or cartridge assembly 116. With surgical buttress “B” so positioned, the temperature in the proximity of the distal ends of cartridge receiving half-section 112 and/or anvil half-section 114 is varied from the first temperature to a second temperature, i.e., either elevated or reduced relative to the first temperature. At the second temperature, buttress attachment features 160 undergo a phase transformation, as described above, wherein free ends of fingers 162 move to the second position, as described above, to secure, maintain, retain or otherwise hold surgical buttress “B” in contact and in position on tissue contacting surface “T” of cartridge half-section 112 and/or anvil half-section 114.

In one embodiment, surgical buttress “B” is configured and sized such that fingers 162 of buttress attachment features 160 are disposed along outer edges thereof, when in the first position, and the distal ends of fingers 162 deflect down atop a tissue contact surface of surgical buttress “B” when in the second position. In another embodiment, fingers 162 of buttress attachment features 160, when in the first position, may extend substantially orthogonally from tissue contacting surfaces “T” of cartridge assembly 116 and/or anvil plate 144 at a location disposed between a side edge thereof and knife channel “K”. In this embodiment, surgical buttress “B” is positioned against tissue contacting surfaces “T” of cartridge assembly 116 and/or anvil plate 144 such that fingers 162 penetrate therethrough (not shown). Moreover, in this embodiment, when the distal ends of fingers 162 are in the second position, the distal ends of fingers 162 may extend toward and/or away from knife channel “K”.

In another embodiment, fingers 162 of buttress attachment features 160, as described above, may be positioned along a length of knife channel “K”. In this embodiment, surgical buttress “B” is positioned against tissue contacting surfaces “T” of cartridge assembly 116 and/or anvil plate 144 such that fingers 162 penetrate therethrough (not shown). Moreover, in this embodiment, when the distal ends of fingers 162 are in the second position, the distal ends of fingers 162 may extend away from knife channel “K”.

With surgical buttress “B” so positioned, the distal end of surgical stapling device 100 may be positioned at the target surgical site with surgical buttress “B” securely held in position against tissue contacting surfaces “T” of cartridge assembly 116 and/or anvil plate 144. Surgical buttress “B” is properly positioned when at least a substantial portion of staple pockets “P” is covered thereby.

Buttress attachment features 160 may be positioned on cartridge receiving half-section 112 and/or anvil half-section 114 in such a manner so as to not increase an outer circumferential profile of the distal ends thereof. In this manner, buttress attachment features 160 do not interfere with the placement of the distal end of surgical stapling device 100 at the target surgical site. For example, with buttress attachment features 160 positioned along knife channel “K” (as shown in phantom in FIGS. 2 and 3), buttress attachment features 160 do not, at any time, extend beyond an outer profile of distal ends of cartridge receiving half-section 112 and/or anvil half-section 114.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 4A, a buttress attachment feature, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, is generally designated as 160 a. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, a pair of buttress attachment features 160 a extend from opposed sides of distal ends of cartridge receiving half-section 112 and/or anvil half-section 114, however, it is contemplated that in an embodiment, buttress attachment features 160 a may extend from knife channel “K” (see FIGS. 5 and 5A).

Each buttress attachment feature 160 a includes a plurality of ribs 162 a each having a first end positioned on sides of distal ends of cartridge receiving half-section 112 and/or anvil half-section 114 at a location proximate a mid-point thereof, and a second end extending away from sides of distal ends of cartridge receiving half-section 112 and/or anvil half-section 114 and extending along an entire length of the distal ends of cartridge receiving half-section 112 and/or anvil half-section 114, thereby defining a fan-like configuration. Each buttress attachment feature 160 a further includes a panel 166 a of suitable biocompatible mesh-like material disposed over ribs 162 a.

While separate surgical buttresses “B” are shown positioned over staple pockets “P”, it is envisioned and contemplated that panels 166 a of buttress attachment features 160 a may function as the surgical buttresses “B”.

As seen in FIG. 4, buttress attachment features 160 a have a first position in which ribs 162 a and panels 166 a are oriented substantially orthogonal relative to tissue contacting surfaces “T” of cartridge assembly 116 and/or anvil plate (not shown). In this orientation, surgical buttresses “B” may be positioned at least partially over staple pockets “P”.

As seen in FIG. 4A, buttress attachment features 160 a have a second position in which ribs 162 a and panels 166 a are oriented substantially parallel relative to tissue contacting surfaces “T” of cartridge assembly 116 and/or anvil plate (not shown). In this orientation, ribs 162 a and panels 166 a function to maintain surgical buttresses “B” in position against tissue contacting surfaces “T” of cartridge assembly 116 and/or anvil plate (not shown).

Alternatively, if panels 166 a are to function as surgical buttresses “B”, positioning of ribs 162 a and panels 166 a to the second position results in placement of the surgical buttress into position against tissue contacting surfaces “T” of cartridge assembly 116 and/or anvil plate (not shown).

In the present embodiment, ribs 162 a may be fabricated from suitable shape memory materials in a manner similar to fingers 162 disclosed above. In this manner, buttress attachment features 160 a may be oriented from the first to the second position, as needed, with a change in the temperature thereof.

Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 6A, a buttress attachment feature, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, is generally designated as 160 b. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, a pair of buttress attachment features 160 b extend from opposed sides of distal ends of cartridge receiving half-section 112 and/or anvil half-section 114, however, it is contemplated that in an embodiment, buttress attachment features 160 b may extend from knife channel “K” (not shown).

Each buttress attachment feature 160 b includes a frame 162 b having legs 168 b which extend from opposed sides of distal ends of cartridge receiving half-section 112 and/or anvil half-section 114, at a location proximate a mid-point thereof, and a drape 166 b supported on and extending over frame 162 b. Drape 166 b may be fabricated from a suitable biocompatible mesh-like material. In this manner, drape 166 b may take the place of surgical buttress “B”. However, if desired, a separate surgical buttress “B” may be used in conjunction with buttress attachment feature 160 b.

As seen in FIG. 6, buttress attachment features 160 b have a first position in which frame 162 b and drapes 166 b are oriented substantially orthogonal relative to tissue contacting surfaces “T” of cartridge assembly 116 and/or anvil plate (not shown). In this orientation, drapes 166 b do not overlie staple pockets “P”. Also, in this orientation, separate surgical buttresses (not shown) may, if being used, be positioned at least partially over staple pockets “P”.

As seen in FIG. 6A, buttress attachment features 160 b have a second position in which frame 162 b and drapes 166 b are oriented substantially parallel relative to tissue contacting surfaces “T” of cartridge assembly 116 and/or anvil plate (not shown). In this orientation, drapes 166 b overlie staple pockets “P” and may act as a surgical buttress. Also, in the present orientation, if a separate surgical buttress (not shown) has been positioned over staple pockets “P” of cartridge assembly 116 and/or anvil plate, frame 162 b and drapes 166 b function to maintain the separate surgical buttress in position against tissue contacting surfaces “T” of cartridge assembly 116 and/or anvil plate (not shown).

In the present embodiment, frames 162 b may be fabricated from suitable shape memory materials in a manner similar to fingers 162 disclosed above. In this manner, buttress attachment features 160 b may be oriented from the first to the second position, as needed, with a change in the temperature thereof.

It is contemplated that legs 168 b of each buttress attachment feature 160 b may extend from knife channel “K”, at a location proximate a mid-point thereof.

Turning now to FIGS. 7-10, a surgical stapling device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is generally designated as 200. As seen in FIG. 7, surgical stapling device 200 includes a handle assembly 212 and an elongated body 214. The length of elongated body 214 may vary to suit a particular surgical procedure. A disposable loading unit or DLU 216 is releasably secured to a distal end of elongated body 214. DLU 216 includes a proximal body portion 218, which forms an extension of elongated body 214, and a distal tool assembly or end effector 220 including a first member or cartridge assembly 222 and a second member or anvil assembly 224.

Tool assembly 220 is pivotably connected to body 218 about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of elongated body 214. Cartridge assembly 222 houses a plurality of staples (not shown). Anvil assembly 224 is movable in relation to cartridge assembly 222 between an open position spaced from cartridge assembly 222 and an approximated or clamped position in juxtaposed alignment with cartridge assembly 222.

Handle assembly 212 includes a stationary handle member 226, a movable handle or trigger 228 and a barrel portion 230. A rotatable member 232 is rotatably mounted to the forward end of barrel portion 230 and secured to elongated body 214 to facilitate rotation of elongated body 214 in relation to handle assembly 212. An articulation lever 230 a is supported on a distal portion of barrel portion 230 and is operable to effect articulation of tool assembly 220 with respect to body portion 218 of DLU 216. A pair of return knobs 236 are movably supported along barrel portion 230 to effect movement of surgical stapling device 200 from an advanced position to a retracted position.

Reference may be made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/490,790, filed Oct. 4, 2002, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, for a more detailed discussion of the structure and operation of surgical stapling device 200.

As seen in FIGS. 7-10, surgical stapling device 200 includes a buttress attachment feature 260 operatively associated with at least one of the distal end of cartridge assembly 222 and anvil assembly 224. Each buttress attachment feature 260 may include any of the buttress attachment features 160, 160 a or 160 b described above in regards to surgical stapling device 100 and shown in FIGS. 1-6A. Accordingly, in the interest of clarity and brevity, buttress attachment feature 260 of FIGS. 7-10 is shown and described substantially as buttress attachment feature 160 above.

As best seen in FIG. 8, each buttress attachment feature 260 includes a plurality of fingers 262 extending from a backspan 264 which backspan 264 is positioned opposed sides of at least one of the distal end of cartridge assembly 222 and anvil assembly 224, however, it is contemplated that in an embodiment, buttress attachment features 260 may extend from knife channel “K” (see FIG. 9).

Fingers 262 have a first position in which fingers 262 extend substantially orthogonal relative to tissue contacting surface “T” of cartridge assembly 222 and/or anvil assembly 224. While in the first position, fingers 262 are oriented so as to enable and/or allow placement and/or removal of surgical buttress “B” into or out of contact with tissue contacting surfaces “T”.

Fingers 262 have a second position in which at least a distal or free end of fingers 262 extend substantially parallel to tissue contacting surface “T” of cartridge assembly 222 and/or anvil assembly 224, in a direction towards staple pockets “P” (see FIG. 10) or anvil pockets “P” (see FIG. 9). While in the second position and when a surgical buttress “B” is in position against tissue contacting surface “T” of cartridge assembly 222 and/or anvil assembly 224, fingers 262 are oriented so as to prevent movement and/or removal of surgical buttress “B” relative to and/or from tissue contacting surfaces “T” of cartridge assembly 222 and/or anvil assembly 224.

At least fingers 262 of buttress attachment feature 260 is fabricated from a shape memory alloy (i.e., Nickel Titanium, NiTi, Nitinol, etc.), a shape memory polymer, or any other suitable material exhibiting shape memory properties during elevated temperatures.

Use of buttress attachment feature 260 is substantially similar to use of buttress attachment feature 160 and thus, in the interest of brevity, will not be described in extensive detail hereinbelow.

In use, with buttress attachment features 260 at a first temperature, fingers 262 are oriented in the first position, as described above. With fingers 262 in the first position, a surgical buttress “B” may be placed in position against tissue contacting surfaces “T” by placing surgical buttress “B” between fingers 262, as seen in FIG. 8, or by penetrating fingers 262 through surgical buttress “B”, as seen in FIGS. 9 and 10. With surgical buttress “B” so positioned, the temperature in the proximity of cartridge assembly 222 and anvil assembly 224 is varied from the first temperature to a second temperature, i.e., either elevated or reduced relative to the first temperature. At the second temperature, buttress attachment features 260 undergo a phase transformation, as described above, wherein free ends of fingers 262 move to the second position, as described above, to secure, maintain, retain or otherwise hold surgical buttress “B” in contact and in position on tissue contacting surface “T” of cartridge assembly 222 and anvil assembly 224.

As seen in FIGS. 8-10, free ends of fingers 262 are shown in a first position near a proximal end of cartridge assembly 222 and anvil assembly 224 and in a second position near a distal end of cartridge assembly 222 and anvil assembly 224. As seen in FIG. 8, when the distal ends of fingers 262 are in the second position, the distal ends of fingers 262 extend toward knife channel “K” and across a width of surgical buttress “B”. As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the distal ends of fingers 262 are in the second position, the distal ends of fingers 262 extend away from knife channel “K” and across a width of surgical buttress “B”.

With surgical buttress “B” so positioned, the distal end of surgical stapling device 200 may be positioned at the target surgical site with surgical buttress “B” securely held in position against tissue contacting surfaces “T” of cartridge assembly 222 and/or anvil assembly 224. The distal end of surgical stapling device 200 may be introduced to the target surgical site through a trocar, cannula, port or the like.

Buttress attachment features 260 may be positioned on cartridge assembly 222 and/or anvil assembly 224 in such a manner so as to not increase an outer circumferential profile of the distal ends thereof. In this manner, buttress attachment features 260 do not interfere with the placement of the distal end of surgical stapling device 200 at the target surgical site. For example, with buttress attachment features 260 positioned along knife channel “K” (as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10), buttress attachment features 260 do not, at any time, extend beyond an outer profile of distal ends of cartridge assembly 222 and/or anvil assembly 224.

Turning now to FIGS. 11 and 12, a surgical stapling device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is generally designated as 300. As seen in FIG. 11, surgical stapling device 300 includes a body 312 defining a stationary handle 314, a pivotable trigger 316, an elongated central body portion 318, and an end effector including a first member or cartridge assembly 220 and a second member of anvil assembly 322. A thumb button 324 is slidably positioned on each side of body 312. Thumb buttons 324 are movable to manually advance an alignment pin assembly (not shown).

Reference may be made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/687,815, filed Oct. 13, 2000, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, for a more detailed discussion of the structure and operation of surgical stapling device 300.

As best seen in FIG. 12, surgical stapling device 300 includes a buttress attachment feature 360 operatively associated with at least one of the cartridge assembly 320 and anvil assembly 322, only buttress attachment feature 360 operatively associated with anvil assembly 322 being shown. Each buttress attachment feature 360 may include any of the buttress attachment features 160, 160 a or 160 b described above in regards to surgical stapling device 100 and shown in FIGS. 1-6A. Accordingly, in the interest of clarity and brevity, buttress attachment feature 360 of FIGS. 11 and 12 is shown and described substantially as buttress attachment feature 160 above.

As best seen in FIG. 12, each buttress attachment feature 360 includes a plurality of fingers 362 extending from a backspan 364 which backspan 364 is positioned along side of anvil plate 344 of anvil assembly 322.

Fingers 362 have a first position in which fingers 362 extend substantially orthogonal relative to tissue contacting surface “T” of anvil plate 344 of anvil assembly 322. While in the first position, fingers 362 are oriented so as to enable and/or allow placement and/or removal of surgical buttress “B” into or out of contact with tissue contacting surfaces “T”.

Fingers 362 have a second position in which at least a distal or free end of fingers 362 extend substantially parallel to tissue contacting surface “T” of anvil plate 344 of anvil assembly 224, in a direction towards anvil pockets “P”. While in the second position and when a surgical buttress “B” is in position against tissue contacting surface “T” of anvil plate 344 of anvil assembly 322, fingers 362 are oriented so as to prevent movement and/or removal of surgical buttress “B” relative to and/or from tissue contacting surface “T” of anvil plate 344 of anvil assembly 322.

While buttress attachment feature 360 has been described as associated with anvil assembly 322, a further buttress attachment feature may be provided and associated with cartridge assembly 320, not shown.

At least fingers 362 of buttress attachment feature 360 is fabricated from a shape memory alloy (i.e., Nickel Titanium, NiTi, Nitinol, etc.), a shape memory polymer, or any other suitable material exhibiting shape memory properties during elevated temperatures.

Use of buttress attachment feature 360 is substantially similar to use of buttress attachment feature 160 and thus, in the interest of brevity, will not be described in extensive detail hereinbelow.

In use, with buttress attachment features 360 at a first temperature, fingers 362 are oriented in the first position, as described above. With fingers 362 in the first position, a surgical buttress “B” may be placed in position against tissue contacting surfaces “T” of anvil plate 344 of anvil assembly 322. With surgical buttress “B” so positioned, the temperature in the proximity of anvil assembly 322 is varied from the first temperature to a second temperature, i.e., either elevated or reduced relative to the first temperature. At the second temperature, buttress attachment feature 360 undergoes a phase transformation, as described above, wherein free ends of fingers 362 move to the second position, as described above, to secure, maintain, retain or otherwise hold surgical buttress “B” in contact and in position on tissue contacting surface “T” of anvil plate 344 of anvil assembly 322.

As seen in FIG. 12, free ends of fingers 362 are shown in a first position near a free end of anvil assembly 322 and in a second position near a rear end of anvil assembly 322. When the distal ends of fingers 362 are in the second position, the distal ends of fingers 362 extend toward anvil pockets “P” and across a width of surgical buttress “B”.

With surgical buttress “B” so positioned, the distal end of surgical stapling device 300 may be positioned at the target surgical site with surgical buttress “B” securely held in position against tissue contacting surfaces “T” of anvil assembly 322 and/or cartridge assembly 320 (not shown).

Buttress attachment features 360 may be positioned on cartridge assembly 320 and/or anvil assembly 322 in such a manner so as to not increase an outer circumferential profile of the distal ends thereof. In this manner, buttress attachment features 360 do not interfere with the placement of the distal end of surgical stapling device 300 at the target surgical site.

Turning now to FIGS. 13-15, a surgical stapling device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is generally designated as 400. As seen in FIG. 13, surgical stapling device 400 includes a proximal handle assembly 412, an elongated central body portion 414 including a curved elongated outer tube 414 a, and a distal head portion 416. Alternately, in some surgical procedures, e.g., the treatment of hemorrhoids, it is desirable to have a substantially straight, preferably shortened, central body portion. The length, shape and/or the diameter of body portion 414 and head portion 416 may also be varied to suit a particular surgical procedure.

Handle assembly 412 includes a stationary handle 418, a firing trigger 420, a rotatable approximation knob 422 and an indicator 424. Stationary handle 418 defines a housing for the internal components of handle assembly 412. The internal components of handle portion 412 will be discussed in detail below. A pivotally mounted trigger lock 426 is fastened to handle assembly 412 and is manually positioned to prevent inadvertent firing of surgical stapling device 400. Indicator 424 is positioned on the stationary handle 418 and includes indicia, e.g., color coding, alpha-numeric labeling, etc., to identify to a surgeon whether the device is approximated and is ready to be fired. Head portion 416 includes an anvil assembly 430 and a cartridge assembly 431. Each of these assemblies will be discussed in detail below.

Reference may be made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/528,975, filed Oct. 6, 2003, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, for a more detailed discussion of the structure and operation of surgical stapling device 400.

As seen in FIGS. 13-15, surgical stapling device 400 includes a buttress attachment feature 460 operatively associated with at least one of cartridge assembly 431 and anvil assembly 430. Each buttress attachment feature 460 may include any of the buttress attachment features 160, 160 a or 160 b described above in regards to surgical stapling device 100 and shown in FIGS. 1-7. Accordingly, in the interest of clarity and brevity, buttress attachment feature 460 of FIGS. 13-15 is shown and described substantially as buttress attachment feature 160 above.

As best seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, each buttress attachment feature 460 includes a plurality of fingers 462 extending from a backspan 464 which backspan 464 is positioned alongside at least one of staple pockets “P” of cartridge assembly 431 and alongside anvil pockets “P” of anvil assembly 430. While buttress attachment features 460 are shown positioned around the periphery or circumference of cartridge assembly 431 and/or anvil assembly 430 and along both sides of staple pockets “P” of cartridge assembly 431 and/or anvil pockets “P” of anvil assembly 430, it is envisioned and within the scope of the present disclosure for buttress attachment features 460 to be placed along only one side of staple pockets “P” of cartridge assembly 431 and/or anvil pockets “P” of anvil assembly 430 (not shown). It is further envisioned and within the scope of the present disclosure for buttress attachment features 460 to extend only along a portion of the periphery of or circumference of cartridge assembly 431 and/or anvil assembly 430.

Fingers 462 have a first position in which fingers 462 extend substantially orthogonal relative to tissue contacting surface “T” of cartridge assembly 431 and/or anvil assembly 430. While in the first position, fingers 462 are oriented so as to enable and/or allow placement and/or removal of surgical buttress “B” into or out of contact with tissue contacting surfaces “T”.

Fingers 462 have a second position in which at least a distal or free end of fingers 462 extend substantially parallel to tissue contacting surface “T” of cartridge assembly 431 and/or anvil assembly 430, in a direction towards anvil pockets “P” (see FIG. 14) or staple pockets “P” (see FIG. 15). While in the second position and when a surgical buttress “B” is in position against tissue contacting surface “T” of cartridge assembly 431 and/or anvil assembly 430, fingers 462 are oriented so as to prevent movement and/or removal of surgical buttress “B” relative to and/or from tissue contacting surfaces “T” of cartridge assembly 431 and/or anvil assembly 430.

At least fingers 462 of buttress attachment feature 460 is fabricated from a shape memory alloy (i.e., Nickel Titanium, NiTi, Nitinol, etc.), a shape memory polymer, or any other suitable material exhibiting shape memory properties during elevated temperatures.

Use of buttress attachment feature 460 is substantially similar to use of buttress attachment feature 160 and thus, in the interest of brevity, will not be described in extensive detail hereinbelow.

In use, with buttress attachment features 460 at a first temperature, fingers 462 are oriented in the first position, as described above. With fingers 462 in the first position, a surgical buttress “B” may be placed in position against tissue contacting surfaces “T” by penetrating fingers 462 through surgical buttress “B”. With surgical buttress “B” so positioned, the temperature in the proximity of cartridge assembly 431 and anvil assembly 430 is varied from the first temperature to a second temperature, i.e., either elevated or reduced relative to the first temperature. At the second temperature, buttress attachment features 460 undergo a phase transformation, as described above, wherein free ends of fingers 462 move to the second position, as described above, to secure, maintain, retain or otherwise hold surgical buttress “B” in contact and in position on tissue contacting surface “T” of cartridge assembly 431 and anvil assembly 430.

With surgical buttress “B” so positioned, the distal end of surgical stapling device 400 may be positioned at the target surgical site with surgical buttress “B” securely held in position against tissue contacting surfaces “T” of cartridge assembly 431 and/or anvil assembly 430. The distal end of surgical stapling device 400 may be introduced to the target surgical site through a trocar, cannula, port or the like.

Buttress attachment features 460 may be positioned on cartridge assembly 431 and/or anvil assembly 430 in such a manner so as to not increase an outer circumferential profile of the distal ends thereof, i.e., along an inner circumference thereof and adjacent staple or anvil pockets “P”. In this manner, buttress attachment features 460 do not interfere with the placement of the distal end of surgical stapling device 400 at the target surgical site.

Surgical buttresses “B” may be made of biocompatible, non-absorbable material commercially known as “TEFLON” which is a registered trademark owned by DuPont de Nemours & Co., or cotton, which is non-absorbable and can be implanted in the body without adverse effects, or other substances which are absorbable by the body such as “VICRYL” which is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson or “DEXON” which is a registered trademark of Davis and Geck. Additionally, it is envisioned that surgical buttress “B” may be manufactured from natural-animal derived material (e.g., collagen, pericardium, etc.) or synthetic materials (e.g., poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid), poly(caprolactone), poly(trimethylene carbonate), polydioxanone, p(orthoesters), poly(alkylene oxides)). One exemplary surgical buttress “B” which may be used is “SEAMGUARD” which is a registered trademark owned by W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc, or “PERI-STRIPS” which is a registered trademark owned by Synovis Surgical Innovations, a division of Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. Surgical buttress “B” may include any combination of materials disclosed herein or incorporated herein by reference.

Surgical buttresses “B” may include any of the surgical buttresses disclosed and described in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/248,846, filed on Oct. 12, 2005, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. 

1. A surgical stapling device comprising: a cartridge assembly; an anvil assembly operatively associated with the cartridge assembly and in juxtaposed relation thereto; a first tissue contacting surface defined by at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil plate; and a buttress attachment feature for selectively securing a surgical buttress adjacent the first tissue contacting surface, the buttress attachment feature responsive to a temperature change such that the buttress attachment feature is movable between a first position in which, at a first temperature, a free end of the buttress attachment feature is substantially spaced from the first tissue contacting surface, and a second position in which, at a second temperature, the free end is relatively approximated to the first tissue contacting surface to secure the surgical buttress to the first tissue contacting surface.
 2. A surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein the buttress attachment feature includes a plurality of fingers disposed along the first tissue contacting surface.
 3. A surgical stapling device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of fingers extends along an outer edge of the first tissue contacting surface.
 4. A surgical stapling device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of fingers extends along at least one of a knife channel formed in the first tissue contacting surface and an outer edge of the first tissue contacting surface.
 5. A surgical stapling device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of fingers is oriented to extend substantially orthogonal to the first tissue contacting surface when the buttress attachment feature is in the first position, and substantially parallel to the first tissue contacting surface when the buttress attachment feature is in the second position.
 6. A surgical stapling device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of fingers comprises a shape memory alloy.
 7. A surgical stapling device according to claim 6, wherein the shape memory alloy is a nickel titanium alloy.
 8. A surgical stapling device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of fingers are configured to penetrate the surgical buttress when the buttress attachment feature is in the first position, and to overlie the first tissue contacting surface when the buttress attachment feature is in the second position.
 9. A surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein the first tissue contacting surface is defined by the cartridge assembly, and the surgical stapling device further comprises a second buttress attachment feature for selectively securing a second surgical buttress to a second tissue contacting surface defined by the anvil assembly.
 10. A surgical stapling device comprising: a cartridge assembly; an anvil assembly operatively associated with the cartridge assembly and in juxtaposed relation thereto; and a buttress attachment feature including: a plurality of ribs operatively connected to at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly; and a panel supported by the plurality of ribs; wherein the plurality of ribs is moveable between a first position in which the panel is spaced from a tissue contacting surface defined by at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly, and a second position in which the panel overlies the tissue contacting surface.
 11. A surgical stapling device according to claim 10, wherein the panel comprises a surgical buttress.
 12. A surgical stapling device according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of ribs move between the first position and the second position in response to a temperature change.
 13. A surgical stapling device according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of ribs comprise a shape memory alloy that is responsive to temperature changes.
 14. A surgical stapling device according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of ribs each have a first end positioned proximate a midpoint of the tissue contacting surface, and a second end extending away from the first end such that the plurality of ribs define a fan-like configuration.
 15. A surgical stapling device according to claim 13, wherein the buttress attachment feature includes a frame supported on the plurality of ribs and extending around a perimeter of the surgical buttress.
 16. A method of performing a surgical procedure, comprising the steps of: providing a surgical stapling device including a cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, wherein a tissue contacting surface is defined by at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly, and a buttress attachment feature responsive to a change in temperature; exposing the buttress attachment feature to a change in temperature to move the buttress attachment feature from a first position where a free end of the buttress attachment feature is spaced from the tissue contacting surface to a second position where the free end of the buttress attachment feature is relatively proximate to the tissue contacting surface; and introducing the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly into a target surgical site.
 17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of introducing a surgical buttress to the tissue contacting surface prior to the step of exposing the buttress attachment feature to a change in temperature. 